Incident Overview
A serious apartment fire occurred in Collonge-Bellerive on Thursday afternoon, destroying the living room of a unit and rendering the rest of the residence uninhabitable. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Neighbors raised the alarm at 16:25, calling from the building located at 9 chemin du Pré-de-la-Croix. The incident was handled promptly by local fire services, with an outcome that limited damage to the affected apartment.
What Happened
According to Captain Nicolas Millot, the spokesperson for the Service d’incendie et de Secours (SIS), there was a heavy plume of smoke on arrival. The fire appears to have taken hold in the living room, which is now destroyed. The remaining portions of the apartment sustained smoke and heat damage but were not the primary ignition point. The premises were unoccupied at the time the blaze broke out, which helped prevent potential casualties.
Response and Firefighting Efforts
Firefighting crews responded with four vehicles and 15 professional firefighters. The operation aimed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent units. By around 17:00, the SIS had the fire under control, successfully limiting damage to the single apartment and avoiding any evacuation of nearby residents.
Impact on Residents
Residents in neighboring units were not evacuated, and the building’s overall safety remained intact during and after the incident. While the affected apartment is uninhabitable due to the fire’s destruction of the living room, there were no reported leaks or major structural concerns affecting the rest of the building at the time of reporting.
Investigation and Next Steps
Authorities have stated that the causes of the fire are under investigation. A formal inquiry will examine potential sources of ignition, such as electrical devices, heating equipment, or accidental causes. Updates will be provided as investigators gather evidence from the scene.
Safety Tips and Takeaways
Incidents like this underscore the importance of preventative safety at home. Residents can reduce fire risk by regularly inspecting electrical outlets and appliances, maintaining smoke detectors, and creating a clear evacuation plan even for single-room incidents. If you live in a multi-unit building, ensure access to fire escapes and pathways remains unobstructed, and report any signs of smoke or heat immediately to emergency services.
About the SIS and Local Context
The Service d’incendie et de Secours (SIS) conducted a rapid assessment and response to contain the fire. Collonge-Bellerive is a municipality in the canton of Geneva, and this event highlights the ongoing efforts of local emergency services to protect residents and property while investigations determine root causes.
